Former Residence of Kachonomiya

Walk around a Classical Western-Style House and a French Garden from the Early Years of the Showa Period (1926-1989).

This western-style house, located to the east of Mt. Kinubari, was built as a residence for Marquis Hironobu Kacho. The house changed hands several times before being acquired by Kamakura City in 1996. The classical half-timbered building, typical of wooden architecture in Europe, is characterized by the tasteful look created by filling the spaces between exposed posts and beams with brick, gravel or clay. There is a beautiful French garden with a pond and trees geometrically arranged. Visitors can stroll through the gardens. In 1971 Mr. Matsuzaki, the owner of the Former Residence of Kachonomiya at that time, moved the gate and tea-ceremony house, called Muian, from his residence in Kamiosaki, Tokyo, and rebuilt them behind the main house. Muian and the Former Residence of Kachonomiya are open to the public for a few days in the spring and fall.